Articles | Volume 8, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-8-283-2022
© Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-8-283-2022
© Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Original research article
| 
07 Apr 2022
Original research article |
| 07 Apr 2022
| 07 Apr 2022
Reusing Fe water treatment residual as a soil amendment to improve physical function and flood resilience
Heather C. Kerr
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Department of Engineering, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, United
Kingdom
Karen L. Johnson
Department of Engineering, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, United
Kingdom
David G. Toll
Department of Engineering, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, United
Kingdom
Related authors
No articles found.
Ellen B. Robson, Bhim Kumar Dahal, and David G. Toll
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 949–973, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-949-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-949-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Slopes excavated alongside roads in Nepal frequently fail (a landslide), resulting in substantial losses. Our participatory approach study with road engineers aimed to assess how road slope design guidelines in Nepal can be improved. Our study revealed inconsistent guideline adherence due to a lack of user-friendliness and inadequate training. We present general recommendations to enhance road slope management, as well as technical recommendations to improve the guidelines.
Related subject area
Soil pollution and remediation
Organic pollutant oxidation on manganese oxides in soils – the role of calcite indicated by geoelectrical and chemical analyses
The clay mineralogy rather that the clay content determines radiocaesium adsorption in soils
Cr(VI) reduction, electricity production, and microbial resistance variation in paddy soil under microbial fuel cell operation
Long-term legacy of phytoremediation on plant succession and soil microbial communities in petroleum-contaminated sub-Arctic soils
Investigating the synergistic potential of Si and biochar to immobilize Ni in a Ni-contaminated calcareous soil after Zea mays L. cultivation
Estimations of soil metal accumulation or leaching potentials under climate change scenarios: the example of copper on a European scale
Soil contamination in arid environments and assessment of remediation applying surface evaporation capacitor model; a case study from the Judean Desert, Israel
Model-based analysis of erosion-induced microplastic delivery from arable land to the stream network of a mesoscale catchment
Increase in bacterial community induced tolerance to Cr in response to soil properties and Cr level in the soil
Organic and inorganic nitrogen amendments reduce biodegradation of biodegradable plastic mulch films
Research and management challenges following soil and landscape decontamination at the onset of the reopening of the Difficult-to-Return Zone, Fukushima (Japan)
Impact of agricultural management on soil aggregates and associated organic carbon fractions: analysis of long-term experiments in Europe
Miniaturised visible and near-infrared spectrometers for assessing soil health indicators in mine site rehabilitation
The application of biochar and oyster shell reduced cadmium uptake by crops and modified soil fertility and enzyme activities in contaminated soil
Are agricultural plastic covers a source of plastic debris in soil? A first screening study
Mapping soil slaking index and assessing the impact of management in a mixed agricultural landscape
Assessing soil salinity dynamics using time-lapse electromagnetic conductivity imaging
Effectiveness of landscape decontamination following the Fukushima nuclear accident: a review
Evaluating the carbon sequestration potential of volcanic soils in southern Iceland after birch afforestation
Citrate and malonate increase microbial activity and alter microbial community composition in uncontaminated and diesel-contaminated soil microcosms
Development of a statistical tool for the estimation of riverbank erosion probability
Sediment loss and its cause in Puerto Rico watersheds
Carbon nanomaterials in clean and contaminated soils: environmental implications and applications
Sonya S. Altzitser, Yael G. Mishael, and Nimrod Schwartz
SOIL, 11, 95–104, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-11-95-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-11-95-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Our study uses a noninvasive geoelectrical method to monitor hydroquinone oxidation in MnO2-rich soil. We combined it with chemical analyses to observe real-time changes in soil pH, calcium, and manganese levels. Our findings reveal that MnO2 oxidation of hydroquinone triggers reactions such as calcite dissolution and amorphous manganese oxide formation. This research advances the understanding of soil–pollutant interactions and highlights the method's potential in tracking soil remediation.
Margot Vanheukelom, Nina Haenen, Talal Almahayni, Lieve Sweeck, Nancy Weyns, May Van Hees, and Erik Smolders
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3585, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3585, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Radiocaesium (137Cs) in soil poses long-term risks of entering the food chain after nuclear accidents. This study examined its binding in soils with contrasting properties, questioning the concept that clay content controls the fate of 137Cs. Instead, soil mineralogy, such as illite content, plays a larger role. Soil structure also affects its availability, as isolated soil fractions do not fully reflect intact soils. These findings improve predictions of 137Cs bioavailability in diverse soils.
Huan Niu, Xia Luo, Peihan Li, Hang Qiu, Liyue Jiang, Subati Maimaitiaili, Minghui Wu, Fei Xu, Heng Xu, and Can Wang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2771, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2771, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Soil microbial fuel cell (SMFC) to eliminate Cr(VI) from paddy soil and metal tolerance analysis; 76 % of Cr(VI) elimination, 0.97 V power output, and heavy metal resistance genes elevation; Enrichment of exoelectrogens, Cr(VI) reducers, and tolerators contributed to SMFC performance; Bio-physical adsorption and electrochemical-microbial reduction simultaneously reduced Cr(VI).
Mary-Cathrine Leewis, Christopher Kasanke, Ondrej Uhlik, and Mary Beth Leigh
SOIL, 10, 551–566, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-10-551-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-10-551-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In 1995, an initial study determined that using plants and fertilizers increased degradation of petroleum in soil; the site was then abandoned. In 2010, we returned to find that initial choices of plant and fertilizer use continued to cause changes in the plant and soil microbiomes. We also found evidence for the restoration of native vegetation with certain treatments, which indicates that this could be an important tool for communities that experience soil contamination.
Hamid Reza Boostani, Ailsa G. Hardie, Mahdi Najafi-Ghiri, Ehsan Bijanzadeh, Dariush Khalili, and Esmaeil Farrokhnejad
SOIL, 10, 487–503, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-10-487-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-10-487-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In this work, the combined SM500 + S2 treatment was the most effective with respect to reducing the Ni water-soluble and exchangeable fraction. Application of Si and biochars decreased the soil Ni diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid and corn Ni shoot content. The study shows the synergistic potential of Si and sheep manure biochars for immobilizing soil Ni.
Laura Sereni, Julie-Maï Paris, Isabelle Lamy, and Bertrand Guenet
SOIL, 10, 367–380, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-10-367-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-10-367-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We estimate the tendencies of copper (Cu) export in freshwater or accumulation in soils in Europe for the 21st century and highlight areas of importance for environmental monitoring. We develop a method combining computations of Cu partitioning coefficients between solid and solution phases with runoff data. The surfaces with potential for export or accumulation are roughly constant over the century, but the accumulation potential of Cu increases while leaching potential decreases for 2000–2095.
Rotem Golan, Ittai Gavrieli, Roee Katzir, Galit Sharabi, and Uri Nachshon
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1014, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1014, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates contaminant transport and accumulation in sandy arid soils, focusing on a severe pollution event in 2017 in the Ashalim basin, Israel. It employs long-term field monitoring, lab experiments, and numerical models to understand pollutants transport dynamics. Findings reveal contaminants persist near the surface and circulate vertically. The 'surface evaporation capacitor' concept proves useful in predicting contaminant fate along the soil profile.
Raphael Rehm and Peter Fiener
SOIL, 10, 211–230, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-10-211-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-10-211-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
A carbon transport model was adjusted to study the importance of water and tillage erosion processes for particular microplastic (MP) transport across a mesoscale landscape. The MP mass delivered into the stream network represented a serious amount of MP input in the same range as potential MP inputs from wastewater treatment plants. In addition, most of the MP applied to arable soils remains in the topsoil (0–20 cm) for decades. The MP sink function of soil results in a long-term MP source.
Claudia Campillo-Cora, Daniel Arenas-Lago, Manuel Arias-Estévez, and David Fernández-Calviño
SOIL, 9, 561–571, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-561-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-561-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Cr pollution is a global concern. The use of methodologies specifically related to Cr toxicity is appropriate, such as the pollution-induced community tolerance (PICT) methodology. The development of PICT was determined in 10 soils after Cr addition in the laboratory. The Cr-soluble fraction and dissolved organic carbon were the main variables determining the development of PICT (R2 = 95.6 %).
Sreejata Bandopadhyay, Marie English, Marife B. Anunciado, Mallari Starrett, Jialin Hu, José E. Liquet y González, Douglas G. Hayes, Sean M. Schaeffer, and Jennifer M. DeBruyn
SOIL, 9, 499–516, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-499-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-499-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We added organic and inorganic nitrogen amendments to two soil types in a laboratory incubation study in order to understand how that would impact biodegradable plastic mulch (BDM) decomposition. We found that nitrogen amendments, particularly urea and inorganic nitrogen, suppressed BDM degradation in both soil types. However, we found limited impact of BDM addition on soil nitrification, suggesting that overall microbial processes were not compromised due to the addition of BDMs.
Olivier Evrard, Thomas Chalaux-Clergue, Pierre-Alexis Chaboche, Yoshifumi Wakiyama, and Yves Thiry
SOIL, 9, 479–497, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-479-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-479-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Twelve years after the nuclear accident that occurred in Fukushima in March 2011, radioactive contamination remains a major concern in north-eastern Japan. The Japanese authorities completed an unprecedented decontamination programme. The central objective was to not expose local inhabitants to excessive radioactive doses. At the onset of the full reopening of the Difficult-to-Return Zone in 2023, the current review provides an update of a previous synthesis published in 2019.
Ioanna S. Panagea, Antonios Apostolakis, Antonio Berti, Jenny Bussell, Pavel Čermak, Jan Diels, Annemie Elsen, Helena Kusá, Ilaria Piccoli, Jean Poesen, Chris Stoate, Mia Tits, Zoltan Toth, and Guido Wyseure
SOIL, 8, 621–644, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-8-621-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-8-621-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The potential to reverse the negative effects caused in topsoil by inversion tillage, using alternative agricultural practices, was evaluated. Reduced and no tillage, and additions of manure/compost, improved topsoil structure and OC content. Residue retention had a positive impact on structure. We concluded that the negative effects of inversion tillage can be mitigated by reducing tillage intensity or adding organic materials, optimally combined with non-inversion tillage.
Zefang Shen, Haylee D'Agui, Lewis Walden, Mingxi Zhang, Tsoek Man Yiu, Kingsley Dixon, Paul Nevill, Adam Cross, Mohana Matangulu, Yang Hu, and Raphael A. Viscarra Rossel
SOIL, 8, 467–486, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-8-467-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-8-467-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We compared miniaturised visible and near-infrared spectrometers to a portable visible–near-infrared instrument, which is more expensive. Statistical and machine learning algorithms were used to model 29 key soil health indicators. Accuracy of the miniaturised spectrometers was comparable to the portable system. Soil spectroscopy with these tiny sensors is cost-effective and could diagnose soil health, help monitor soil rehabilitation, and deliver positive environmental and economic outcomes.
Bin Wu, Jia Li, Mingping Sheng, He Peng, Dinghua Peng, and Heng Xu
SOIL, 8, 409–419, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-8-409-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-8-409-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Cadmium (Cd) contamination in soil has severely threatened human health. In this study, we investigated the possibility of applying oyster shell and biochar to reduce Cd uptake by crops and improve soil fertility and enzyme activities in field experiments under rice–oilseed rape rotation, which provided an economical and effective pathway to achieving an in situ remediation of the Cd-contaminated farmland.
Zacharias Steinmetz, Paul Löffler, Silvia Eichhöfer, Jan David, Katherine Muñoz, and Gabriele E. Schaumann
SOIL, 8, 31–47, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-8-31-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-8-31-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
To scrutinize the contribution of agricultural plastic covers to plastic pollution, we quantified soil-associated plastic debris (≤ 2 mm) in and around agricultural fields covered with different plastics. PP fleeces and 50 µm thick PE films did not emit significant amounts of plastic debris into soil during their 4-month use. However, thinner and perforated PE foils (40 µm) were associated with elevated PE contents of up to 35 mg kg−1. Their long-term use may thus favor plastic accumulation.
Edward J. Jones, Patrick Filippi, Rémi Wittig, Mario Fajardo, Vanessa Pino, and Alex B. McBratney
SOIL, 7, 33–46, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-7-33-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-7-33-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Soil physical health is integral to maintaining functional agro-ecosystems. A novel method of assessing soil physical condition using a smartphone app has been developed – SLAKES. In this study the SLAKES app was used to investigate aggregate stability in a mixed agricultural landscape. Cropping areas were found to have significantly poorer physical health than similar soils under pasture. Results were mapped across the landscape to identify problem areas and pinpoint remediation efforts.
Maria Catarina Paz, Mohammad Farzamian, Ana Marta Paz, Nádia Luísa Castanheira, Maria Conceição Gonçalves, and Fernando Monteiro Santos
SOIL, 6, 499–511, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-6-499-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-6-499-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
In this study electromagnetic induction (EMI) surveys and soil sampling were repeated over time to monitor soil salinity dynamics in an important agricultural area that faces risk of soil salinization. EMI data were converted to electromagnetic conductivity imaging through a mathematical inversion algorithm and converted to 2-D soil salinity maps until a depth of 1.35 m through a regional calibration. This is a non-invasive and cost-effective methodology that can be employed over large areas.
Olivier Evrard, J. Patrick Laceby, and Atsushi Nakao
SOIL, 5, 333–350, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-5-333-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-5-333-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
The Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident in March 2011 resulted in the contamination of Japanese landscapes with radioactive fallout. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the decontamination strategies and their potential effectiveness in Japan. Overall, we believe it is important to synthesise the remediation lessons learnt following the FDNPP nuclear accident, which could be fundamental if radioactive fallout occurred somewhere on Earth in the future.
Matthias Hunziker, Olafur Arnalds, and Nikolaus J. Kuhn
SOIL, 5, 223–238, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-5-223-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-5-223-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Afforestation on severely degraded volcanic soils/landscapes is an important process concerning ecological restoration in Iceland. These landscapes have a high potential to act as carbon sinks. We tested the soil (0–30 cm) of different stages of afforested (mountain birch) landscapes and analysed the quantity and quality of the soil organic carbon. There is an increase in the total SOC stock during the encroachment. The increase is mostly because of POM SOC. Such soils demand SOC quality tests.
Belinda C. Martin, Suman J. George, Charles A. Price, Esmaeil Shahsavari, Andrew S. Ball, Mark Tibbett, and Megan H. Ryan
SOIL, 2, 487–498, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-487-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-487-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
The aim of this paper was to determine the impact of citrate and malonate on microbial activity and community structure in uncontaminated and diesel-contaminated soil. The results suggest that these carboxylates can stimulate microbial activity and alter microbial community structure but appear to have a minimal effect on enhancing degradation of diesel. However, our results suggest that carboxylates may have an important role in shaping microbial communities even in contaminated soils.
E. A. Varouchakis, G. V. Giannakis, M. A. Lilli, E. Ioannidou, N. P. Nikolaidis, and G. P. Karatzas
SOIL, 2, 1–11, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-1-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-1-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
A statistical methodology is proposed to predict the probability of presence or absence of erosion in a river section considering locally spatial correlated independent variables.
The proposed tool is easy to use and accurate and can be applied to any region and river. It requires information from easy-to-determine geomorphological and/or hydrological variables to provide the vulnerable locations. This tool could be used to assist in managing erosion and flooding events.
Y. Yuan, Y. Jiang, E. V. Taguas, E. G. Mbonimpa, and W. Hu
SOIL, 1, 595–602, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-1-595-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-1-595-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
A major environmental concern in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is increased sediment load to water reservoirs, to estuaries, and finally to coral reef areas. Our research found that sediment loss was mainly caused by interactions of development, heavy rainfall events, and steep mountainous slopes. These results improve our understanding of sediment loss resulting from changes in land use/cover, and will allow stakeholders to make more informed decisions about future land use planning.
M. J. Riding, F. L. Martin, K. C. Jones, and K. T. Semple
SOIL, 1, 1–21, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-1-1-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-1-1-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
The behaviour of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) in soils is highly complex and dynamic. As a result, assessments of the possible risks CNMs pose within soil should be conducted on a case-by-case basis. Further work to assess the long-term stability and toxicity of CNM-sorbed contaminants, as well as the toxicity of CNMs themselves, is required to determine if their sorptive abilities can be applied to remedy environmental issues such as land contamination.
Cited articles
Agyin-Birikorang, S., O'connor, G. A., Jacobs, L. W., Makris, K. C., and
Brinton, S. R.: Long-term phosphorus immobilization by a drinking water
treatment residual, J. Environ. Qual., 36, 316–323, 2007.
Babatunde, A. O., Zhao, Y. Q., Burke, A. M., Morris, M. A., and Hanrahan, J.
P.: Characterization of aluminium-based water treatment residual for
potential phosphorus removal in engineered wetlands, Environ.
Pollut., 157, 2830–2836, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2009.04.016,
2009.
Basim, S. C.: Physical and geotechnical characterization of water treatment
plant residuals, Dissertation, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 977, https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/dissertations/977 (last access: 25 August 2021), 1999.
Basta, N. T.: Examples and case studies of beneficial re-use of municipal
by-products, Chap. 17, in: Land application of agricultural, industrial, and
municipal by-products, Book Series No. 6, edited by: Power, J. F. and Dick, W. A.,
Soil Science Society of America, Madison, WI,
https://doi.org/10.2136/sssabookser6.c17, 2000.
Boivin, P., Schäffer, B., and Sturny, W.: Quantifying the relationship
between soil organic carbon and soil physical properties using shrinkage
modelling, Eur. J. Soil Sci., 60, 265–275,
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2389.2008.01107.x, 2009.
Chiang, Y. W., Ghyselbrecht, K., Santos, R. M., Martens, J. A., Swennen, R.,
Cappuyns, V., and Meesschaert, B.: Adsorption of multi-heavy metals onto
water treatment residuals: sorption capacities and applications, Chem. Eng. J.,
200, 405–415, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2012.06.070, 2012.
Cotruvo, J. A.: 2017 WHO Guidelines for drinking-water quality: first
addendum to the fourth edition, J. Am. Water Works Ass., 109, 44–51,
https://doi.org/10.5942/jawwa.2017.109.0087, 2017.
Dassanayake, K. B., Jayasinghe, G. Y., Surapaneni, A., and Hetherington, C.:
A review on alum sludge re-use with special reference to agricultural
applications and future challenges, Waste Manage., 38, 321–335, 2015.
Dayton, E. A. and Basta, N. T.: Characterization of drinking water
treatment residuals for use as a soil substitute, Water Environ.
Res., 73, 52–57, https://doi.org/10.2175/106143001X138688, 2001.
DETS: Soil analysis, https://www.suez.co.uk/en-gb/our-offering/businesses/what-are-you-looking-for/laboratory-and-technical-services/soil-analysis,
last access: 13 February 2018.
Elliott, H. A. and Dempsey, B. A.: Agronomic effects of land application of
water treatment sludges, J.Am. Water Works Ass., 83, 126–131,
https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1551-8833.1991.tb07129.x, 1991.
El-Swaify, S. A. and Emerson, W. W.: Changes in the physical properties of
soil clays due to precipitated aluminium and iron hydroxides: I. Swelling
and aggregate stability after drying, Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J., 39, 1056–1063,
https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1975.03615995003900060016x, 1975.
Finlay, N. C.: Using Water Treatment Residual to immobilise lead for in-situ
remediation of contaminated soil, Durham theses, Durham University,
http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/11887/ (last access: 27 July 2021), 2015.
Gomes, S. D. C., Zhou, J. L., Li, W., and Long, G.: Progress in manufacture
and properties of construction materials incorporating water treatment
sludge: A review, Resour. Conserv. Recy., 145, 148–159, 2019.
Hazbavi, Z. and Sadeghi, S. H. R.: Potential effects of vinasse as a soil amendment to control runoff and soil loss, SOIL, 2, 71–78, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-71-2016, 2016.
Hegazy, B. E., Hanan, A. F., and Ahmed, M. H.: Brick Manufacturing from Water
Treatment Sludge and Rise Husk Ash, Aust. J. Bas. Appl. Sci., 6,
453–461, 2012.
Huang, C. H. and Wang, S. Y.: Application of water treatment sludge
in the manufacturing of lightweight aggregate, Constr. Build.
Mater., 43, 174–183, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.02.016, 2013.
Ippolito, J. A., Barbarack, K. A., Stromberger, M. E., Paschke, M. W., and Brobst, R.
B.: Water treatment residuals and biosolids long-term
co-applications effects to semi-arid grassland soils and vegetation, Soil
Sci. Soc. Am. J., 73, 1880–1889, https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj2008.0352, 2009.
Ippolito, J. A., Barbarick, K. A., and Elliott, H. A.: Drinking water
treatment residuals: a review of recent uses, J. Environ. Qual., 40, 1–12,
https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2010.0242, 2011.
Kay, B. D.: Soil structure and organic
carbon: A review, in: Soil processes and the carbon cycle, edited by: Lal, R., Kimble, J. M., Follett, R. F., and Stewart, B. A., CRC press, Boca Raton, 169–1971, https://doi.org/10.1201/9780203739273, 1998.
Keeley, J., Jarvis, P., and Judd, S. J.: Coagulant recovery from water
treatment residuals: a review of applicable technologies, Crit. Rev.
Environ. Sci. Technol., 44, 2675–2719, 2014.
Kerr, H.: Using a water treatment residual and compost co-amendment as a
sustainable soil improvement technology to enhance flood holding capacity,
PhD thesis, Durham University, http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/12983/ (last access: 25 August 2021), 2019.
Kerr, H.: Summary Data FHC, figshare [data set], https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.16441416.v1, 2021.
Kerr, H., Johnson, K., Toll, D. G., and Mansfield, F.: Flood holding
capacity: a novel concept to evaluate the resilience of amended soils,
Proceedings of Geo-Chicago, 14–18 August 2016, Chicago, Illinois, 393–409,
https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784480120.041, 2016.
Krause, A., Nehls, T., George, E., and Kaupenjohann, M.: Organic wastes from bioenergy and ecological sanitation as a soil fertility improver: a field experiment in a tropical Andosol, SOIL, 2, 147–162, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-147-2016, 2016.
Kyncl, M.: Opportunities for water treatment sludge re-use, Geosci.
Eng., 1, 11–22, 2008.
Lal, R.: Soil health and carbon management, Food and Energy Security, 5,
212–222, https://doi.org/10.1002/fes3.96, 2016.
Lalonde, K., Mucci, A., Ouellet, A., and Gélinas, Y.: Preservation of organic matter in
sediments promoted by iron, Nature, 483, 198–200, 2012.
Li, J., Liu, L., Liu, J., Ma, T., Yan, A., and Ni, Y.: Effect of adding alum
sludge from water treatment plant on sewage sludge dewatering, J. Environ.
Chem. Eng., 4, 746–752, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2015.07.021, 2016.
Liu, Y., Zhuge, Y., Chow, C. W., Keegan, A., Li, D., Pham, P. N., Huang, J.
and Siddique, R.: Utilization of drinking water treatment sludge in concrete
paving blocks: Microstructural analysis, durability and leaching
properties, J. Environ. Manage., 262, 110352,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110352, 2020.
Mokonyama, S., Schalkwyk, M., and Rajagopaul, R.: Guidelines and Good
Practices for Water Treatment Residues Handling, Disposal and Reuse in South
Africa, Water Research Commission, Gezina South Africa, 140, Report No.
TT738/17, ISBN 978-1-4312-0937-8, http://www.wrc.org.za/wp-content/uploads/mdocs/TT738.pdf (last access: 25 August 2021), 2017.
Mahdy, A. M., Elkhatib, E. A., Fathi, N. O., and Lin, Z. Q.: Effects of
co-application of biosolids and water treatment residuals on corn growth and
bioavailable phosphorus and aluminium in alkaline soils in Egypt, J. Environ.
Qual., 38, 1501–1510, https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2008.0335, 2009.
Makris, K. C., Harris, W. G., O'Connor, G. A., Obreza, T. A., and Elliott,
H. A.: Physicochemical properties related to long-term phosphorus retention
by drinking-water treatment residuals, Environ. Sci. Technol., 39,
4280–4289, https://doi.org/10.1021/es0480769, 2005.
Moodley, M., Johnston, M. A., Hughes, J. C., and Titshall, L. W.: Effects of
a water treatment residue, lime, gypsum, and polyacrylamide on the water
retention and hydraulic conductivity of two contrasting soils under field
conditions in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Soil Res., 42, 273–282,
https://doi.org/10.1071/SR03045, 2004.
Mukherjee, A., Lal, R., and Zimmerman, A. R.: Effects of biochar and other amendments on the physical properties and
greenhouse gas emissions of an artificially degraded soil, Sci. Total Environ., 487, 26–36, 2014.
Nagar, R., Sarkar, D., Makris, K. C., Datta, R., and Sylvia, V. L.:
Bioavailability and bioaccessibility of arsenic in a soil amended with
drinking-water treatment residuals, Arch. Environ. Con. Tox., 57,
755–766, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-009-9318-7, 2009.
Neal, A. L., Bacq-Labreuil, A., Zhang, X., Clark, I. M., Coleman, K., Mooney,
S. J., Ritz, K., and Crawford, J. W.: Soil as an extended composite phenotype
of the microbial metagenome, Sci. Rep.-UK, 10, 1–16, 2020.
Odimegwu, T. C., Zakaria, I., Abood, M. M., Nketsiah, C. B. K., and Ahmad,
M.: Review on different beneficial ways of applying alum sludge in a
sustainable disposal manner, Civ. Eng. J., 4, 2230–2241,
https://doi.org/10.28991/cej-03091153, 2018.
O'Kelly, B. C.: Biodegradation of biosolids and specific gravity determination,
Environ. Geotech., 6, 47–61, https://doi.org/10.1680/jenge.16.00014, 2016.
Oladeji, O. O., O'Connor, G. A., Sartain, J. B., and Nair, V. D.: Controlled
application rate of water treatment residual for agronomic and environmental
benefits, J. Environ. Qual., 36, 1715–1724,
https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2007.0160, 2007.
Oladeji, O. O., O'Connor, G. A., and Brinton, S. R.: Surface applied
water treatment residuals affect bioavailable phosphorus losses in Florida
sands, J. Environ. Manage., 88, 1593–1600,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2007.08.001, 2008.
Oliver, I. W., Grant, C. D., and Murray, R. S.: Assessing effects of aerobic
and anaerobic conditions on phosphorus sorption and retention capacity of
water treatment residuals, J. Environ. Manage., 92, 960–966,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2010.11.016, 2011.
Rhodes, C. J.: The 2015 Paris climate change conference: COP21,
Sci. Prog., 99, 97–104, https://doi.org/10.3184/003685016X14528569315192, 2016.
Peng, X., Horn, R., and Smucker, A.: Pore shrinkage dependency of inorganic
and organic soils on wetting and drying cycles, Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J., 71,
1095–1104, https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj2006.0156, 2007.
Peng, X. and Horn, R.: Anisotropic shrinkage and swelling of some organic
and inorganic soils, Eur. J. Soil Sci., 58, 98–107,
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2389.2006.00808.x, 2007.
Peng, X., Zhang, Z. B., Wang, L. L., and Gan, L.: Does soil compaction
change soil shrinkage behaviour?, Soil Till. Res., 125, 89–95,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2012.04.001, 2012.
Rahman, M. T., Zhu, Q. H., Zhang, Z. B., Zhou, H., and Peng, X.: The roles
of organic amendments and microbial community in the improvement of soil
structure of a Vertisol, Appl. Soil Ecol., 111, 84–93,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2016.11.018, 2017.
Rengasamy, P., Oades, J. M., and Hancock, T. W.: Improvement of soil structure and
plant growth by addition of alum sludge, Commun. Soil Sci. Plan., 11,
533–545, https://doi.org/10.1080/00103628009367061, 1980.
Rodrigues, L. P. and Holanda, J. N. F.: Recycling of water treatment plant
waste for production of soil-cement bricks, Proc. Mat. Sci., 8, 197–202,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mspro.2015.04.064, 2015.
Shen, C., Zhao, Y., Li, W., Yang, Y., Liu, R., and Morgen, D.: Global
profile of heavy metals and semimetals adsorption using drinking water
treatment residual, Chem. Eng. J., 372, 1019–1027,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2019.04.219, 2019.
Sollins, P. and Gregg, J. W.: Soil organic matter accumulation in relation
to changing soil volume, mass, and structure: Concepts and
calculations, Geoderma, 301, 60–71,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2017.04.013, 2017.
Titshall, L. W. and Hughes, J. C.: Characterisation of some South African
water treatment residues and implications for land application, Water
Research Commission, South Africa, 31, 299–308,
https://doi.org/10.4314/wsa.v31i3.5219, 2005.
Tripathy, S., Rao, K. S., and Fredlund, D. G.: Water content-void ratio
swell-shrink paths of compacted expansive soils, Can. Geotech. J., 39,
938–959, https://doi.org/10.1139/t02-022, 2002.
Tipping, E. and Rowe, E. C.: Modelling the physical states, element
stoichiometries and residence times of topsoil organic matter, Eur.
J. Soil Sci., 70, 321–337, https://doi.org/10.1111/ejss.12785,
2019.
Turner, T., Wheeler, R., Stone, A., and Oliver, I.: Potential alternative
reuse pathways for water treatment residuals: Remaining barriers and
questions – A review, Water Air Soil Poll., 230, 1–30,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-019-4272-0, 2019.
UNESCO: The United Nations World Water Development Report 2019: Leaving No
One Behind, UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme, Paris, France,
Vol. 96, ISBN 978-9-2310-030-97, 2019.
Xia, Z.: Geotechnical characterisation of
water treatment plant residuals, Thesis 1230
submitted to the Faculty of Civil and
Environmental Engineering, New Jersey
Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ,
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/1230 (last access: 18 August 2021), 1994.
Weindorf, D. C. and Wittie, R.: Determining particle density in
dairy manure compost, Tex. J. Agriculture and Natural Resources, 16, 60–63,
2003.
Zhao, Y., Liu, R., Awe, O. W., Yang, Y., and Shen, C.: Acceptability of land
application of alum-based water treatment residuals – an explicit and
comprehensive review, Chem. Eng. J., 353, 717–726,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2018.07.143, 2018.
Zhou, H., Fang, H., Zhang, Q., Wang, Q., Chen, C., Mooney, S. J., Peng, X.,
and Du, Z.: Biochar enhances soil hydraulic function but not soil
aggregation in a sandy loam, Eur. J. Soil Sci., 70,
291–300, https://doi.org/10.1111/ejss.12732, 2019.
Zhou, H., Chen, C., Wang, D., Arthur, E., Zhang, Z., Guo, Z., Peng, X., and
Mooney, S. J.: Effect of long-term organic amendments on the full-range soil
water retention characteristics of a Vertisol, Soil Till.
Res., 202, 104663, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2020.104663, 2020.
Short summary
Adding an organo-mineral waste product from clean water treatment (WTR) is beneficial for a soil’s water retention, permeability, and strength properties. WTR added on its own significantly improves the shear strength and saturated hydraulic conductivity of soil. The co-application of WTR with compost provides the same benefits whilst also improving soil’s water retention properties, which is beneficial for environmental applications where the soil health is critical.
Adding an organo-mineral waste product from clean water treatment (WTR) is beneficial for a...
